Elo hell means being stuck at a low rank in a competitive game, with the feeling that bad teammates, not your own play, are holding you back.
The word "Elo" comes from the Elo rating system, a method for ranking players by results that was originally designed for chess by Arpad Elo. Many games now use their own rating systems, but players still say "Elo" to mean "rank" or "rating", which is why the phrase survives.
How players use it
- "I have been in elo hell for three weeks, my teams keep inting."
- "Not elo hell, just a bad week. Check your replays."
- "Duo with me, we will get out of elo hell together."
- "Stuck in elo hell again, every game has an AFK."
Does elo hell exist?
It is one of the most argued topics in ranked play. Two things are true at the same time:
- In any single game, you can lose because of a teammate who leaves, trolls or plays badly. That is real, and it is more noticeable in a team game with random teammates.
- Over many games, though, the same bad luck usually applies to the other team as well. If you really are much better than your rank, the number of games usually fixes it, so being stuck for a long stretch often points to something you can change: champion or hero pool, habits, tilt or the time of day you play.
Neither side is simply right, and a lot of players feel both. The honest answer is that variance is large over 10 games and much smaller over 200.
What helps you climb
- Play fewer champions or heroes, and learn them well.
- Review your own deaths and mistakes before you blame others.
- Stop playing after two or three losses in a row. See tilt.
- Queue with a teammate you trust instead of random players. See duo queue and solo queue.
- Keep comms positive: a calm team wins more than an angry one.
For a longer breakdown, read why your rank does not climb in solo queue.
Related terms
FAQ
Is elo hell real?
Individual games are affected by teammates, but over a large sample your rank tends to reflect your play. Most ranked systems are built so a player who is better than their rank should rise over time.
Where does the word "Elo" come from?
From the Elo rating system, created by Arpad Elo for ranking chess players. Players now use the word for ranks in many unrelated games.
How do I get out of elo hell?
Narrow your pool, review your mistakes, take breaks after losses and find a regular teammate or small group. Consistency usually beats trying to carry every game alone.